The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has assured that the ambitious 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will be completed before the end of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term in office.

Umahi gave this assurance on Tuesday during the signing of the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Finance (EPC+F) contract for the project between the Federal Government and Hitech Construction Company Nigeria Ltd.

According to Umahi, the administration is committed to delivering the mega infrastructure project, which he described as the “biggest ever known in Africa,” within Tinubu’s tenure.

He stressed that the project, envisioned 27 years ago, is now becoming a reality under the Renewed Hope agenda.

“It is a wonderful thing to witness this and to be part of it. We will continue to pray for Mr President, we will continue to support him, and we must continue to say that, given the two tenures of Mr President, Nigerians are assured that the entire 750 kilometres will be fully completed before he leaves office. And God, who started this, will see it to completion,” Umahi stated.

He further explained that the project, initiated in March 2024, is structured under an EPC+F model, allowing Hitech Construction to secure foreign investments in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Finance.

The Federal Government has committed to providing 30% counterpart funding, while foreign financing will cover the remaining cost.

The first phase of the highway, covering 47.7km from Ahmadu Bello Way in Lagos, is expected to be completed by May 2025. Umahi also disclosed that each kilometre of the road would cost approximately N4 billion.

The minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to fast-tracking the project, ensuring it meets global standards and serves as a catalyst for economic growth along Nigeria’s coastal corridor.

He said, “The beauty of it is that the ‘F’ component of EPC+F is now being fulfilled. By signing this contract, we are paving the way for the contractor, through the Federal Ministry of Finance, to secure foreign investment for the project. The Federal Government’s commitment is 30 per cent counterpart funding, which the President is fulfilling.”

“And now, with the foreign financing component in place, the project’s execution will be accelerated. I am pleased with Hitech’s performance, the quality of work, and the speed of construction. If not for the need to settle a substantial fee, we would have been able to commission the entire first section within a year, even though the project is scheduled for 36 months.”

Prices of food commodities like maize, rice, millet, sorghum, beans, flour and soybeans, among others have dropped, especially in major producing states, a survey by Daily Trust has shown.

This is happening ahead of the Ramadan, which commences in a few days.

Non-producing states are also said to be feeling the impact of the reduction in food prices.

Observation at grain markets in different parts of the country showed that agents of poultry feeds and rice milling companies as well as middlemen have scaled down the purchase of grains across states.

Experts linked the declined market activities by the middlemen to low patronages experienced after Christmas and New Year breaks, leading to significant drop in prices of grains like maize, millet, sorghum, paddy and beans, in addition to massive imports of the commodities.

Others said the recent massive import of some of the agricultural produce also contributed to the drop in price.

Experts linked the declined market activities by the middlemen to low patronages experienced after Christmas and New Year breaks, leading to significant drop in prices of grains like maize, millet, sorghum, paddy and beans, in addition to massive imports of the commodities.

Others said the recent massive import of some of the agricultural produce also contributed to the drop in price.

For instance, a 50kg bag of flour, which was sold for N80, 000 before the importation some few weeks ago, is now between N61, 000 and N63, 000 depending on the market.

The same also applied to locally milled rice, which the import of the produce has also affected.

While prices of grains have dropped, those of groundnut, cocoa, yam, Irish potatoes, palm and vegetable oils remain slightly high in many markets visited by our correspondents.

Kaduna

At the Saminaka grain market in Kaduna State, a 100kg bag of maize, which was sold between N70, 000 and N75, 000 in most markets during harvest, is now N47, 000; while soybeans, sold for N110,000, is now N68,000.

Similarly, the white variety of beans, sold for N150, 000 during harvest, is now N100, 000.

At the Giwa market, also in Kaduna State, millet and sorghum were on Friday sold between N50, 000 and N51,000 as against the N79,000 to N80,000 sold last year before harvest.

The price of soybean dropped from N120,000 to N80,000; white beans, from N160,000 to N88,000; paddy, N75,000 to between N55,000 and N60,000.

Taraba

At the Mutum Biyu grains market in Taraba State, the price of a 100kg bag of paddy rice is now N45,000 as against the N50,000 last month; a 100kg bag of maize, sold previously at N57,000, is now between N40,000 and N45 000; a 100kg bag of dried cassava, previously N25,000, is now N18,000 and N19 000.

Benue

A market survey conducted by our correspondent across Makurdi metropolis, showed a significant drop in prices of essential food items compared to six months ago.

At the Wadata Market in Makurdi, Benue State, a 50kg bag of local rice is now between N26,000 and N29,000 as against between N45,000 and N55,000 it cost about six months ago. At the Modern Market, the price of a mudu of rice has dropped from N2,700 to N1,800, Daily Trust gathered.

Other staples have also seen price reductions as a big basket of tomatoes, previously sold for N45,000, now costs between N30,000 and N35,000. The price of a mudu of maize, millet, and guinea corn has fallen from N3,200 to N1,200; a litre of palm oil, is now N1,800 from N2,500; a rubber of garri, N2,300 from N3,500; 10 tubers of yam, between N10,000 and N15,000 from between N12,000 and N18,000.

Kano

In Kano State, our correspondent also reports a sharp drop in food prices. At Danhassan market, the price of a mudu of beans has dropped to N2,500 from N3,500; millet, N1,200 from N2,700.

At Dawanau Market, Kano, a mudu of maize is now between N1,200 and N1,300; millet, N1,000 and N1,100; beans, between N2,000 and N2,200 per mudu; a tuber of yam, between N2,500 and N4,000 depending on the size.

Niger

At Manigi market in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, the price of a 100kg bag of red beans has dropped to N90,000 from the N200,000 sold last year before harvest; white beans, N90,000 from N160, 000; white and red maize, N40,000 per 100kg bag as against the N85,000 sold before harvest; millet is now N45,000; sorghum, N40,000; a 100kg bag of soybeans, N78,000 as against the N135,000 last year.

At Lemu Market, a bag of millet, maize and sorghum is currently sold at N42,000; and a 100kg bag of rice (milled), N108,000.

In Bida, a trader, Mohammed Mahmud, noted that the price of processed rice had dropped from N130,000 to N120,000 per 100kg bag; paddy rice, from N51,000 to N45,000; a bag of sorghum and millet is now N45,000; maize, N48,000.

At Gwadabe weekend market, our correspondent reports prices of rice, maize and sorghum have also dropped.

Lagos

At Alaba Rago market, Ojo, a bag of rice which used to be sold for between N80,000 and N90,000, now sells for N65,000 and N70,000; while the price of a paint rubber of beans has dropped from N12,000 to N6500.

At Daleko market, Mushin, a 50kg bag of rice is now between N70,000 and N75,000; a paint rubber of honey beans, N8,500.

Traders cite naira gain, importation, others

Anas Usman, a businessman at Dawanau market in Kano, linked the price drop to importation of foodstuffs, massive release from warehouses and large scale farming conducted by farmers across the country.

He said: “People have released foodstuff to the market from warehouses and at the same time there was large scale importation from other countries.”

Other traders attribute the reduction in food prices to the zero-duty grains policy of the federal government.

The government had, in July 2024, approved the regulation for the implementation of a Zero Per cent Duty Rate and Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption on selected basic food items.

Some traders also cited the increase in the quantities of rice that comes in through the Seme and Idi-Iroko borders in Lagos and Ogun states.

One of the traders at Daleko market, Sade Baloguj, said she got her supply directly from Cotonou, Benin Republic.

She attributed the reduction in the price of rice to the rise in the value of naira as against the CFA.

She stated that the naira rose by about N65 within a space of one week.

“The price of rice may come down further if the naira appreciates against the CFA in the weeks and months to come,” she added.

An importer, Alhaji Olukolu Tunde Khallil, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Khallil Associate Nig Ltd., attributed the drop in prices of some food items to the “improved” security, especially in the North.

Farmers lament

Daily Trust reports that some farmers are expressing frustration over the development, saying the government had misplaced its priorities.

One of them said he harvested about 6,000 bags of 100kg but could not sell because of the low price compared to the high cost of inputs like fertilizer, which is needed for the next cycle of cultivation.

Another farmer, Abubakar Ismail, said government should subsidize farm implements so that in turn, farmers would also reduce the prices.

“Importation is just a temporary measure, it is not sustainable. Only God know how much the government spent to subsidize importers.

“We must face the reality by ensuring that we secure our farmlands, provide fertiliser and seedlings on time and also support farmers with basic tools. Nigeria is too big to survive on imports,” he said.

Abdullahi Musa, another farmer alleged that Nigerian borders were deliberately left opened for smugglers to import rice, beans, maize, among others in order the crash the prices.

“Some of us are now counting our losses…It is sad,” he said.

‘Inflation rate drop stabilising food prices’

The secretary of the National Agricultural Commodities Project (NACP), Abuja, Dr Austin Maduka, said the purported drop in the inflation rate was helping to stabilise food prices.

Alhaji Rabiu Gambo, a grain merchant in Jalingo, Taraba State, told Daily Trust that since the federal government announced its decision to grant import waiver last year for rice and maize, big companies and businesses that usually made bulk purchases of maize and paddy had reduced their purchases.

A dealer at Mutum-Biyu grain market, Taraba State, Musa Adamu, said since the announcement of three months import window for rice and maize, the market had slowed down.

He said at the beginning of harvest, the market was full with activities and prices went up, but soon after the announcement by the federal government, prices started coming down.

Consumers rejoice

Consumers, especially Muslims preparing for Ramadan fast, have welcomed the reduction in the prices of food items.

Hajiya Memuna Ahmadu, a civil servant in Abuja, said even though the reduction was not much in the nation’s capital, the drop in the prices of rice, millets, tomatoes, onions and sorghum would go a long way to help Nigerians struggling with the current economic reality.

“Last Tuesday, I went to Karmo market and I bought millet, sorghum, maize, beans and rice ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. I actually bought them at slightly reduced prices compared to what we bought last three weeks,’’ she said.

Mr Yusuf Jimoh, a civil servant, said he was waiting for February salary to make bulk purchases of the produce in view of the drop in the prices.

Food importation not a good devt – Farmers

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) said the importation of food items is not a good development for the nation’s agriculture.

Chief Daniel Okafor, Vice National President of AFAN, in a chat with DailyTrust, alleged that nothing was done to protect farmers before allowing grains’ importation.

“Farmers are not happy. Let me let you know that we are not there. It will discourage local production,” he stated.

🇺🇦 Volodymyr Zelensky erupted furiously at a senior member of 🇺🇸 Donald Trump's administration and left him trembling with fear, it was claimed today, as the US and Ukraine inch closer to a deal to end the Ukraine war.

Earlier this month, Trump dispatched his newly minted Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to Kyiv to present the Ukrainian leader with a deal exchanging some of Ukraine's vast mineral wealth for security guarantees against future Russian attacks.

But upon reviewing the contract in detail, Zelensky and his aides discovered that there were no real security guarantees to be found.

Instead, the contract was reportedly more exploitative than the conditions imposed on Germany after World War I, expecting Ukraine to relinquish huge quantities of oil, gas and mineral resources as a payment for US aid already provided.

Recalling the president's fury, Ukrainian lawmakers claimed Zelensky's bellows reverberated through the halls of Kyiv's presidential palace as he laid into Bessent for expecting him to 'sell his country' to Washington.

'He was very angry,' a person present told the Financial Times, explaining how the gilded doors of Zelensky's presidential office did nothing to stop those outside from hearing every word of the verbal beatdown.

Bessent was visibly shaken, his voice trembling as he delivered a stumbling statement to reporters moments after enduring the wrath of the Ukrainian President.

It comes as Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today declared Moscow would 'stop hostilities only when negotiations produce a firm and sustainable result that suits the Russian Federation'.

Meanwhile, Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov accused Europe and the UK of prolonging the fighting in response to a fresh package of sanctions levelled by Brussels.

A dozen leaders from Europe and Canada are in Ukraine's capital to mark the third anniversary of Russia's invasion today, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Donald Trump, today meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Washington, is notably absent.

Prior to his presidential telling-off earlier this month, Bessent had said that an agreement to an 'economic commitment' with the US would grant Ukraine a 'long-term security shield' provided by Washington.

The idea was first floated by Zelensky himself as part of his 'Victory Plan' unveiled before Western allies and Ukraine's parliament in October.

At that time, the Ukrainian President said Ukraine could sign an agreement with the US, EU and other unnamed allies that would allow for joint investments and use of Ukraine's natural resources.

But according to a private draft of Bessent's proposal seen by The Telegraph, the contract offered earlier this month would have seen the US take 50% of revenues received by Ukraine from the extraction of natural resources.

It would have also granted the US 50% of the financial value of 'all new licenses issued to third parties' for the future monetisation of these resources.

Such a deal would've been extremely difficult for Kyiv to stomach even if it had come with concrete and detailed promises of long-term security guarantees to be provided by Washington.

But it appears Trump expected to receive '$500 billion' worth of Ukrainian natural resources as repayment for military, financial and humanitarian aid provided to Kyiv since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.

This figure appears to have been plucked from the ether, as the US' own congressional reporting service shows the sum total of US aid for Ukraine thus far totals $174.2 billion.

Zelensky later claimed that only around $75 billion of this was military aid.

credit:Dailymail UK

By Abdullateef Aliyu


Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the ex-depot (gantry) price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol, by N65.00, from N890 to N825 per litre, effective from 27th February 2025.

The price adjustment, according to Dangote was designed to provide essential relief to Nigerians in anticipation of the upcoming Ramadan season, while also supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic recovery policy by alleviating the financial burden on the Nigerian populace.

Daily Trust reports that Dangote has severally reduced the prices of petrol and other refined petroleum products.

This marks the second price reduction of PMS in February 2025, following a previous decrease of N60.00 earlier in the month.

Additionally, in December 2024, during the yuletide period, the refinery reduced the price of PMS by N70.50, from N970 to N899.50 per litre, as part of its commitment to easing the cost of living and providing relief to Nigerians during the holiday season.

With the latest reduction, the management of the refinery said Nigerians will be able to purchase the Dangote petrol at the following prices in all our partners’ retail outlets.

“For MRS Holdings stations, it will sell for N860 per litre in Lagos, N870 per litre in the South-West, N880 per litre in the North, and N890 per litre in the South-South and South-East respectively.”

“The same product will also be available at the following prices in AP (Ardova Petroleum) and Heyden stations: N865 per litre in Lagos, N875 per litre in the South-West, N885 per litre in the North, and N895 per litre in the South-South and South-East.”

The company assured the public of a consistent supply of petroleum products, with sufficient reserves to meet domestic demand, as well as a surplus for export to enhance the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

It called on marketers to support this initiative, ensuring that Nigerians remain the primary beneficiaries of this effort.

My life is in danger – NAFDAC DG cries out


…Seeks Death Penalty for Fake Drug Peddlers

…Says Agency Seized Over N1 Trillion Worth of Expired Drugs


The Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has raised the alarm over threats to her life and the safety of agency staff, calling on authorities to protect them as they navigate hazardous conditions in their duties.

She also advocated for the death penalty for those involved in the production and sale of fake and counterfeit drugs in Nigeria.

Speaking at a State House briefing at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday, Prof. Adeyeye disclosed that NAFDAC had recently seized illicit drugs worth over N1 trillion in an ongoing crackdown against substandard and fake pharmaceutical products.

The NAFDAC boss revealed that the agency’s intensified enforcement efforts had resulted in the seizure of 87 truckloads of banned, expired, and substandard medical products. Among the confiscated items were USAID- and UNFPA-donated antiretroviral drugs, male and female condoms, and other compromised medical supplies.

She described the large-scale operation, which targeted Nigeria’s three major open drug markets, as the biggest in NAFDAC’s history. The operation was executed in:

Ariaria and Eziukwu Markets (Aba, Abia State)

Bridge Head Market (Onitsha, Anambra State)

Idumota Drug Market (Lagos State)

Prof. Adeyeye estimated that the value of the seized items was at least N1 trillion, but noted that further assessment could reveal a higher figure.

The NAFDAC DG recounted how staff members had faced kidnapping attempts and physical threats due to their work.

“I told you about the attempted murder about six months ago. One of our staff members in Kano had his child kidnapped because he was doing his job. Fortunately, the child escaped,” she revealed.

“For me, I have two policemen living in my house 24/7 in Abuja and Lagos. I don’t have a life. I can’t go anywhere without police escorts. That’s not my way of living, but I don’t have a choice because we must save our country. Nonetheless, I also use common sense.”

Akunyili’s Legacy and the Battle Against Fake Drugs

The threats facing Prof. Adeyeye mirror those encountered by Prof. Dora Akunyili, who led NAFDAC from 2001 to 2009 and became a target of drug cartels due to her relentless fight against counterfeit drugs.

Akunyili’s motivation stemmed from the death of her sister, who died after receiving fake insulin. Her campaigns led to the closure of open-air drug markets and the confiscation of fake drugs, drawing numerous threats and even an assassination attempt in 2003.

Like Akunyili, Prof. Adeyeye remains determined to eradicate the fake drug menace despite the dangers involved.

Prof. Adeyeye emphasized the need for stricter punishments, including the death penalty, for those endangering lives through fake drugs.

She urged the Nigerian government to implement stronger laws to curb the life-threatening trade of counterfeit pharmaceuticals.

NAFDAC continues to intensify its enforcement actions nationwide, with the goal of protecting public health and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry.

Malam Garba Shehu, the spokesperson for former President Muhammadu Buhari, has explained why the ex-president was absent from the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, News360 Nigeria reports.

The meeting, which was presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had in attendance top APC figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, governors, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), and other key stakeholders.

However, notable figures such as Buhari, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi were absent.

Speaking to BBC Hausa, Garba Shehu stated that Buhari’s absence was due to a late invitation.

“President Muhammadu Buhari is not a caucus member of the party. He was supposed to attend the NEC meeting, but unfortunately, the invitation was sent to him on Monday and only reached him on Tuesday. Because of this, he could not leave Daura for Abuja, even if he owned a private jet,” Shehu explained.

He further emphasized that despite Buhari’s physical absence, his support for the party remained unwavering.

“Buhari is a founding member of the APC. He was nominated by the party for president twice. He is a member of the APC even though he did not attend the meeting,” Shehu added.

Frontline politician and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2024 Edo State governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has called out Sen. Monday Okpebholo over his reckless allegation on TVC News’ "Journalist Hangout" in which he claimed that “they are mopping up money to go and bribe tribunal people.” Ighodalo asserted that the thoughtless claim was not only false but a dangerous attempt to blackmail the judiciary.

In a statement signed by Erhabor Emokpae in Benin City on Wednesday, Ighodalo described Okpebholo's televised comments alleging efforts to bribe members of the Edo State Election Tribunal as "deeply irresponsible and representing a desperate and calculated ploy to intimidate the judiciary, poison public discourse, and undermine confidence in a legal process that he suspects may not favour him."

He further said,
"Let it be stated unequivocally: there is absolutely no truth to Okpebholo’s insinuation. It is a blatant lie, and he knows it. The members of the tribunal, more than anyone else, also know that no such attempt has been made, would be made, nor could it ever succeed. By making such a reckless claim, Okpebholo seeks to pre-emptively discredit any judgment that does not go his way. It is the classic tactic of a sore loser—crying wolf when in reality there is none. The reality is simply that he did not win the people’s mandate.

"It is deeply troubling that a respondent in an ongoing case would seek to so undermine the integrity of the judicial panel with such baseless accusations. This is a brazen and irresponsible attack intended to intimidate the members of the Election Petition Tribunal and erode public trust in our legal institutions.

"It is telling that Okpebholo, without a shred of evidence for his wild accusations, glibly relies on innuendo and divine invocation to justify his electoral delusions. His statement is riddled with contradictions: on the one hand, he claims to trust the judiciary and believes they will do the right thing; on the other hand, he attempts to smear them with baseless allegations of bribery. Which is it? Either he respects the judiciary or he does not.

Senator Okpebholo must be aware that, as a respondent in an ongoing legal dispute, his uninformed comments on the merits of our case and his predictions about the Tribunal’s judgment are deeply sub judice. Having failed to attend a single sitting of the Tribunal, he nonetheless went on national television to discuss matters he neither understands nor has the acumen to comment on.

"This attempt to pressure the tribunal through public defamation must be condemned by all. It is dangerous, it is reckless, and it is beneath the dignity of anyone who claims to be a leader. "Okpebholo should be reminded that democracy is not about forcing a narrative but about respecting the will of the people and the rule of law. The tribunal should take due note of his remarks—not because they carry any merit, but because they expose a desperate ploy to undermine a legitimate judicial process.

"Edo State deserves better. Nigeria deserves better. The judiciary must not allow itself to be dragged into the mud by those who neither understand nor respect the rule of law because they think, somehow, that they are above it. This is typical of politicians who, when faced with defeat, resort to fabrications of lies and fear-mongering. The tribunal will do its work based on facts and the law, not on the baseless cries of those who refuse to accept reality," Ighodalo emphasised.

An Australian couple said they were forced to sit next to a passenger's body who died on a recent Qatar Airways long-haul flight.

Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin were embarking on their dream trip to Venice and about 10 hours into the flight from Melbourne, Australia, to Doha, Qatar, when a woman leaving the aircraft lavatory collapsed and died near their row, the couple told Australian news outlet A Current Affair on Sunday

"Unfortunately, the lady couldn't be saved, which was pretty heartbreaking to watch," Ring told the news station. "They tried to wheel her up towards business class, but she was quite a large lady, and they couldn't get her through the aisle."

"They looked a bit frustrated, then they just looked at me and saw seats were available beside me; my wife was on the other side, and we were in a row of four.

The flight crew asked Ring to move seats and placed the deceased passenger in his former seat. The couple said they were not offered to relocate seats despite there being empty seats. For the last four hours of the flight, the couple sat in the same row with the dead passenger and was told to stay seated upon landing for medical crews to remove the body.

The couple told A Current Affair the incident was traumatizing, and they have not been offered support from the airline. "They have a duty of care towards their customers as well as their staff, we should be contacted to make sure, do you need some support, do you need some counselling," Ring said.

Qatar Airways told USA TODAY in an email statement on Tuesday: "First and foremost our thoughts are with the family of the passenger who sadly passed away on board our flight. We apologise for any inconvenience or distress this incident may have caused, and are in the process of contacting passengers in line with our policies and procedures."

Gunmen Reportedly Abduct Several Motorists, Passengers Near Military Barracks In Abuja

The wave of abductions in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has taken a new turn as gunmen struck again, kidnapping an unspecified number of motorists and passengers near Abacha Barracks bypass in Guzape, late on Tuesday night.

The latest incident, which occurred at about 11:31pm on February 25, has heightened fears among residents as insecurity continues to escalate in the nation's capital.

This comes just weeks after multiple abductions in Bwari, Kuje, and Gwagwalada areas, where armed gangs kidnapped scores of individuals, including schoolchildren and commuters.

Police Intelligence sources who confirmed the attack to a source, Zagazola Makama, revealed that upon responding to the distress call, officers discovered two abandoned vehicles: a black Toyota Prado Land Cruiser with registration number Abuja RBC 900 SF, reportedly belonging to Hon. Shagala Samuel, and a Honda Civic with registration number RSH 181 TH.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation followed with surprise the publication of the Department of Government Effectiveness of the United States of America, on February 15, 2025, on social networks, citing Mali among the countries whose American subsidies were canceled. Indeed, this publication concerns a supposed subsidy in favor of Mali for an amount of 14 million US dollars, or approximately eight billion eight hundred million CFA francs, in support of social cohesion.

The Ministry informs the public that it has officially contacted the American authorities regarding these recent events.

It should be recalled that Mali, in its quest for sovereignty, has continued to denounce, well before the establishment of the new American administration, the danger of the misuse of "public development aid" as an instrument of destabilization and subversion of our countries by financing terrorist networks and as a means of violating the sovereignty of our States.

In this regard, in line with the vision of the President of the Transition, Head of State, translated into constitutional principles of governance of public action, Mali has placed all of its cooperation relations within the framework of respect for the sovereignty of the State, the sovereign choices of the Malian people and the defense of their interests.

It is in this capacity that the Government of Mali has, for two years, reserved the right to sign the five-year Development Objective Grant Agreement with the United States concerning the financing of projects of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and has postponed the implementation of certain activities, including those relating to social cohesion, on condition of respecting Mali's sovereignty, priorities and national execution procedures in this area.

In the same dynamic, Mali recognizes itself in the new orientation of the American authorities aimed at cleaning up and humanizing their subsidies, and welcomes, at the same time, this awareness of the reality of their "public aid and the actions undertaken against their subversive use and non-compliance with the essential needs of the beneficiaries

Furthermore, the Ministry calls on the American authorities to initiate legal proceedings against the individuals who have misappropriated the said funds to finance international terrorism, of which Mali and the other States of the AES Confederation are victims.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reaffirms that the Authorities of the Transition of Mali, faithful to the key principles that govern public action, will continue their efforts to secure, restore peace, social cohesion and sustainable development, in a dynamic of national ownership, partnership, mutual respect and within the framework of the Confederation of Sahel States.

Engr Barth Nwibe: Meet Anambra Oil and Gas Person of the Year

A native of Igboukwu, Aguata LGA of Anambra State, Engr Bart Emeka Nwibe is an accomplished Oil and Gas Expert with Specialization in Oil and Gas Drilling, Exploration, Production and Engineering Support Services.

From 1975-1980, Engr Nwibe was at Christ The King College, Onitsha, for his Secondary School education and between 1980- 1985 he studied and graduated as a Civil Engineer from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Engr Nwibe served the National Youth Service in Rivers State in 1986 and was awarded a Certificate of Commendation by the NYSC, Rivers Committee for diligent service in his place of primary assignment.

Engr Nwibe has been in the Oil and Gas sector since 1987. He has acquired varied and hands on experience working for Multi-National Service Companies as well as being a Consultant to Shell Petroleum for 5 years.

Engr Nwibe attended several Technical and Management training Courses related to the Oil & Gas and Energy industry in North America and Europe. A very well-travelled man, Engr Nwibe has visited all the major continents, USA, Europe, Middle East, China, India etc. He is an alumnus of McDonough School of Business of Georgetown University, Washington D.C. Engr Nwibe is a Fellow of The Nigerian Society of Engineers and registered by COREN.

Engr Nwibe is the founder and Group Managing Director of SEGOFS ENERGY GROUP. Segofs Energy is an Upstream Oil and Gas Group with specialization in Oil & Gas Well Drilling, Well Measurements, Borehole Survey, Logging While Drilling and Engineering with offices in Port Harcourt, Lagos, Benin-City, Pointe-Noire Congo and Houston Texas, USA.

Engr Nwibe also holds directorship of several companies in the Oil + Gas, Engineering and Hospitality industries.

Engr Nwibe is the Founder and promoter of UGO-IGBOUKWU FOUNDATION. Founded in 2005, The UGO-IGBOUKWU Foundation awards annual academic Scholarships to Students in Tertiary, Secondary and Primary Schools in Aguata LGA of Anambra State.

Engr Nwibe is a Merit Chief of Igboukwu (Ugo Igboukwu) and a member of the Ancient Nze na Ozo Society, Eze Ugo Asaa. Engr Nwibe also holds the Ugo Ebeteghete of Ekwuluobia, Ugomba Oraeri and Umunri Chieftaincy Titles.

A Patron of the Catholic Laity Council of Awka Diocese and a Major Donor and Paul Harris Fellow of The Rotary Club International, Engr Nwibe is married to Chinwe, a barrister-at-law and the union is blessed with 5 Children.

Engr Nwibe believes that active participation and interest in the politics and governance of Anambra State and Nigeria is the best medium to impact on the lives of our people. Engr Nwibe’s vision is to use the instrumentality of Government to engender the leadership that will create the enabling environment for a viable private sector to develop the abundant Gas reserves in the Anambra basin to generate electricity that will power Anambra State to prosperity. He was the immediate past Chairman of The Governing Board of The Jos University Teaching Hospital.

Reports emerging this morning from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University formally known as uni agric Makurdi indicate that the young women in the photos below have been abducted by unknown gunmen at the university premises whose names are Emmanuella Msenuter Orakaa, Susan, Iember Apebo, Folashade

Sources confirm that the Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Hon. Keffi has arrived at the scene with a strong security presence to ensure the safety of other students while search and rescue operations are underway.

The Kano State Government has announced plans to sponsor 1,002 students for overseas studies, building on last year’s successful sponsorship of 1,001 students.

This was disclosed by the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, during a courtesy visit by the European Union Delegation ahead of the 2025 Study in Europe Fair in Kano.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, the Deputy Governor described the initiative as a transformative step towards equipping Kano’s youth with world-class education, ensuring they participate fully in the global knowledge economy.

“We are committed to prioritizing education, which is why Kano State has allocated the highest budgetary funds to the education sector in Nigeria for 2024 and 2025. Our declaration of a State of Emergency in Education reflects our determination to provide young people with quality learning opportunities,” Gwarzo stated.

He also commended the EU's continued collaboration, noting that the Study in Europe Fair provides a valuable platform for students and scholars to explore academic opportunities abroad.

“As a state with a rich history in trade, culture, and education, Kano stands to benefit greatly from international partnerships like this. We look forward to a successful event that will empower our youth, promote educational exchange, and contribute to the overall development of Kano, Nigeria, and West Africa,” he added.

EU Ambassador Highlights Educational Partnerships

In his remarks, Gautier Mignot, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized that the Study in Europe Fair, scheduled for February 27, 2025, would foster academic exchanges and collaborations between European institutions and Kano scholars.

He noted that the fair had previously been hosted in Kano, enabling students to engage directly with representatives from European universities.

“Our goal is to establish new academic partnerships and exchange programs that allow Kano students to study in Europe while also welcoming European scholars to Kano,” Mignot stated.

He revealed that 20 university representatives from various EU member states were attending the event, many of them visiting Kano for the first time, with the aim of strengthening educational ties between Europe and Nigeria.

Other members of the EU delegation included:

1. Amb. Michal Cygan – Polish Embassy to Nigeria

2. Jurgew Bartelink – Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria

3. Leila Ben Mathieu – Head of Human Development, European Union Delegation to Nigeria

4. Kristof Korosi – Deputy Ambassador of Hungary to Nigeria

The initiative reaffirms Kano State’s commitment to human capital development, ensuring its youth have access to global educational opportunities for a brighter future.

A member of the National Youth Service Corps serving in Ibadan, Oyo State, Rofiat Lawal, has been kidnapped by yet-to-be-identified abductors along the Benin-Ore Expressway.

PUNCH Metro gathered from a Facebook post by a user, Agbakwara, on Wednesday that Lawal was returning from Benin, Edo State to report to her place of primary assignment on Tuesday when she was abducted.

Agbakwara noted that the abductors were demanding N20m for her release.

Agbakwara wrote, “My close friend, Lawal Rofiat Kofoworola, was kidnapped on her way from Benin to Ibadan to resume her PPA in Ogbomosho. She managed to call yesterday and told me she was inside an Ore-bound bus when she was taken.

“This is someone who has struggled all her life, supporting herself through university by working at the Dufil company in Benin. Now, kidnappers are demanding ₦20 million, and we don’t know what to do. Her parents are less privileged and can’t afford this.

“I have reported to the NYSC secretariat in Ibadan and dropped her call-up number, but there has been no response. We are exhausted and desperate for help!

“Please, Nigerians, I need your support. If there is any way you can assist by spreading this message, reaching the authorities, or any help at all please do. She has been my close friend since my 100 level, and I haven’t been myself since this happened.”

The Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Odoba Oche, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Thursday.

He stressed that security operatives had been alerted to the situation for necessary action while saying that he was not aware if any ransom had been requested by the abductors.

“Her parents reported the incident to us yesterday. We were not aware of the incident before her parents reported it.

“We have contacted the National Headquarters, the Ondo and Edo states NYSC and we have also alerted security agencies for necessary action. I am not aware if the kidnappers have reached out to demand ransom.

“She went home to Benin without informing the NYSC authority against the instruction of NYSC. NYSC has continued to emphasise to corps members the need to always notify authorities before they travel and to also avoid night travels,” Oche said.